The Wife Who Jumped on New Year's Eve

Chapter 19: Ryan Returns

Joanna Taylor tensed at the sound of approaching footsteps. She quickly schooled her expression into one of vacant confusion, feigning amnesia.

Ryan Bennett's gaze was tender as he studied her face, searching for any flicker of recognition. Joanna only stared back coldly, her emotions carefully locked away.

"Joanna, are you feeling better today?" His voice was soft, laced with an unconscious plea for favor.

Her reply was flat. "I'd recover faster if I didn't have to see you, Mr. Bennett."

Pain flashed in Ryan's eyes, but he forced a smile and held out a small box. "Look, I brought you something you'll love."

During her illness, he had showered her with gifts—all of which had ended up in the trash. When she remained unmoved, he opened the box himself.

Inside was Lily's drawing. Joanna's pupils dilated involuntarily, a fresh wave of agony crashing over her. The sketch showed Grandma Wilson, Lily, and herself—but where Ryan should have been, there was only an ugly, gaping void.

His voice thickened with nostalgia as he held the drawing. "Joanna, people never realize what they have until it's gone. Only then do they understand how much someone truly meant to them."

He extended the sketch toward her, hoping to spark her memory.

In an instant, warm memories of her daughter flooded Joanna's mind. Her eyes reddened, and without thinking, she reached for the drawing. The natural, familiar gesture didn't escape Ryan's notice.

"Joanna…" His voice trembled with hope and dread. "Have you… regained your memories?"

Realizing her mistake, Joanna cursed inwardly. The charade was over. After a weighted silence, she lifted her head but said nothing.

Seeing her silent admission, Ryan's eyes welled up. He spoke urgently, his apology raw. "Joanna, I know I've wronged you terribly. I caused you so much pain."

"I took Grandma Wilson from you. I'm the reason Lily is gone. I'm a monster."

"I trusted Crystal Lynn blindly, letting her hurt you again and again. I failed to protect you, to believe in you when you needed me most."

He drew a shaky breath. "But I've changed. These past months, I've done nothing but reflect. I finally understand how much you mean to me. Please… give me one more chance. Let's start over."

Tears spilled down Joanna's cheeks as she listened. The wounds he'd inflicted were still fresh, each memory sharper than a blade.

What good were apologies now?

Her voice turned icy, venom seeping through. "Stop pretending, Ryan."

"Without your indifference, would Crystal have dared go so far?"

"You can't pin everything on her and wash your hands clean."

"Leave. I will never forgive you."

Ryan staggered as if struck. His hand trembled midair, reaching for her before freezing. Desperation choked his words. "Joanna, please don't do this. Think of our past. We could have another child—"

Crack.

A sharp slap silenced him.

Joanna's eyes burned crimson. "Get out. Get out now!"

Her voice shook with fury. "How dare you say that? You pathetic excuse of a man. A worthless father."

She spat the words like poison. "I'd rather die than forgive you. Not in this lifetime."